An Alabama sheriff’s deputy is on leave after making anti-LGBTQ comments on a Facebook post about a 15-year-old who died by suicide.
Madison County Deputy Jeff Graves wrote the comments on a post shared by a Huntsville TV station to raise awareness about bullying of LGBTQ people. The post on the WZDX Facebook page linked to a story that featured 15-year-old Huntsville student Nigel Shelby, who killed himself last week, reportedly as a result of bullying because he was a member of the LGBTQ community.
Attempts by AL.com to reach Nigel’s family were not immediately successful.
Graves’ comments have since been removed from the post. Graves didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
"Liberty
Guns
Bible
Trump
BBQ
That’s my kind of LGBTQ movement
I’m seriously offended there is such a thing such as the movement. Society cannot and should not accept this behavior," Graves posted.
This screenshot includes one of several comments Madison County deputy Jeff Graves left on a Huntsville TV station's Facebook post about bring awareness of bullying that targets LGBTQ people.
“The Sheriff’s Office holds all its employees to high standard, and the public can be assured that a thorough and complete audit will be conducted and appropriate action will be taken,” said Madison County Lt. Donny Shaw, a sheriff’s office spokesman, in a statement. “The involved employee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the audit.”
In the statement, sheriff Kevin Turner said he “offers his condolences to the family and friends of Nigel Shelby whose young life was lost to suicide last week.”
“Bullying of any group or person in or outside of schools is unacceptable, and I welcome any and all efforts to raise awareness to bullying and bring bullying to a stop,” Turner said in the statement.
AL.com journalist Howard Koplowitz contributed to this report.
Here are warning signs to watch for if you fear someone is suicidal and resources that can help those thinking of harming themselves or who fear a loved one might harm themselves.
WARNING SIGNS
- Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself.
- Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means.
- Talking or writing about death, dying, ''ending the pain'' or suicide.
- Feeling hopeless.
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities - seemingly without thinking.
- Feeling trapped - like there's no way out.
- Increasing alcohol or drug use.
- Withdrawing from friends, family, social support and society.
- Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time.
- Experiencing significant mood changes.
- Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life.
- Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge.
HOW TO HELP
- Ask the person directly if he or she is having suicidal thoughts, has a plan to do so, and has access to lethal means.
- If you think the person might harm him- or herself, do not leave the person alone.
- Take seriously all suicide threats and all past suicide attempts, even if he or she minimizes your concerns.
- Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
- Be willing to listen and be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life or whether suicide is viewed by some as a sinful, selfish or angry act. Respect that suicidal feelings are most likely related to ending emotional or psychological pain.
- Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support. Take into account other trusted friends, family members or allies who can be a part of a supportive team.
- Don't dare him or her to do it.
- Don't act shocked. This may translate as criticism or judgment and weaken trust between you.
- Don't be sworn to secrecy. Acknowledge that all suicidal risk is to be taken seriously and firmly and gently explain that you are seeking support.
- Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
- Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
- Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Resources in Alabama
- Alabama Suicide Prevention and Resource Coalition
- Crisis Center, Inc. (Birmingham)
- Crisis Services of North Alabama (Huntsville)
- Lifelines/Family Counseling Center of Mobile
Sources: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and The Alabama Suicide Prevention and Resource Coalition